12 Top Things To Do in Belfast

Whether you’re planning a big family day out, are visiting for the weekend, or just need some inspiration for date night, you’re about to have a blast in Belfast. But what can you get up to when you are looking for things to do in Belfast? From indoor skydiving and deals at top local restaurants to visiting famous Game of Thrones locations and seeing lemurs at the zoo, Groupon can help you make any day in Belfast the best day ever!

#1 titanic belfast

World’s top-rated Titanic attraction

“She was alright when she left here”, a quote commonly attributed to Belfast’s relationship with the world’s most famous ship. Belfast was once a powerhouse in shipbuilding and Titanic Belfast lets you dive into how important shipbuilding was.

#2 Belfast city hall

Historic City Hall

The hub of the city, Belfast City Hall is the focal meeting point for anyone going about town. Its position makes it a “true north” for locals heading to the city centre, and with it illuminating at night for special events, it’s also a popular tourist photo stop.

#3 Ulster Museum

Top museum in Belfast

Arguably one of the best places in the city for a family day out (or quirky date spot), the Ulster Museum is located at the lovely Botanic Gardens. Take an afternoon to see exhibits on everything from fossils and mummies to The Spanish Armada.

#4 BOTANIC GARDENS

Best park in Belfas

The most well-known park in the city, Botanic Gardens is the perfect reprieve from a day of sightseeing. Popular with those living and working around the university area, the park is home to the Victorian-era Palm House, recently reopened Tropical ravine and a popular lunch spot.

#5 Titanic Quarter

Urban waterfront in Belfast

Home to the world’s top Titanic museum, it’s also where the SSE Arena is located, where new trendy hotels are popping up, and where they film Game of Thrones. Be sure to check out the famous slipways and pump house to get a sense of just how big some of the ships built here were.

#6 Belfast Castle

Historic estate in Belfast

Up in the leafy North Belfast suburbs, is where you’ll find Belfast Castle. Visible from most of the city, the small estate is one of the best places to get photos of Belfast and go for a leafy walk. And if you’re got your boots on, you can even hike up to the top of Cavehill for the best panoramic views.

#7 Albert Memorial Clock

Leaning clock in city centre

Albert Clock right in the middle of town is the easiest way of telling the time… even if it is off kilter. Because it sits on ground that used have a river running through it, the clock just leans to one side ever so slightly. But don’t worry, you never need to tilt your head to figure out what time it is.

#8 St. George’s Market

Local Weekend Market

You never need worry about what’s for breakfast when staying in Belfast at the weekend. St. George’s Market is arguably the city’s best place to try local food. The local market has been there for over 125 years and serves everything from oysters to fudge to breakfast burritos.

#9 Visit the Belfast zoo

Historical zoo in Belfast

A top family destination, Belfast Zoo has been delighting visitors for nearly 90 years. It’s located up by Cavehill and is so quiet at times you forget you’re in the city. Animals like the meerkats and giraffes are beloved by little ones and the zoo has special talks where you get to see bears and elephants eat lunch.

#10 Grand Opera House

Historic city centre theatre

A night out at the theatre sound splendid? Then you’ll want to head to the Grand Opera House right in the middle of town. It’s where every touring West End show goes and is renowned for having one of the best theatre auditoriums in the UK.

#11 Giant’s Causeway Tour

World wonder in Antrim

Worth the drive alone to take in Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline, the Giant’s Causeway needs to be seen to be believed. The unique rock formation in unlike any other. Any chance to get a day tour to see it is a must.

#12 Game of Thrones Tour

Popular TV Show Tours

We can’t promise Belfast will always have better weather than Winterfell, but the city is where the world’s biggest TV show is filmed. From their studios in the Titanic Quarter and locations dotted across NI, a tour will see you visiting the likes of King’s Road in no time.

MAKING THE MOST OF belfast WITH GROUPON

You have a day free in the diary, are wondering what the best things to do in Belfast are, and don’t want to get a case of FOMO when visiting. Belfast is the best place to be if you’re after a city adventure, love a good night out and enjoy a good bit of craic with the locals. We have exciting deals every day from some of the city’s best attractions to ensure you’re never more than five minutes away from fun.

Free things to do in Belfast

Belfast is such a walkable city that you really could see all the sights and sounds in just one afternoon; you can enjoy the family-friendly exhibits at Ulster Museum one minute and be checking out the view from the top of Victoria Square the next.

One of the best free activities in Belfast that not many people know about is the free tour of Belfast City Hall. It lasts an hour and you just need to register 15 minutes before it starts (just check as times vary weekday to weekend).

What can I do in Belfast this weekend?

St. George’s Market needs to be on your planner if you’re visiting Belfast on a weekend. The famous market is beloved by locals and tourists. Every Saturday and Sunday morning it is busy with local craft stalls, live music and the best selection of cheap eats in town all under one roof. You can try a famous Belfast bap full of sausage, bacon and potato bread, get great coffee from local brewers, and even pick up meat and veg for your dinner.

For any family who needs to do a little exploring, Belfast is a fantastic family-friendly city. It’s quite a good place to get kids learning a lot and exploring the great outdoors. Top family attractions in the city include Belfast Zoo in the north of the city, W5 at the Odyssey Pavilion and the Tropical Ravine within Botanic Gardens (just a stone’s throw away from the engaging Ulster Museum).

Things to do in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

Over the last 10 years the Cathedral Quarter has completely transformed the city centre and you’re always guaranteed it’ll be fun. Visit almost any night of the week and the bars and restaurants will be a hive of activity. Some of the more popular local haunts include:

Flying in to Belfast City Airport? If you get a taxi, know that they add a £2 surcharge on after you reach your destination

Public transport finishes up around 11pm every night (around 10pm on Sundays)

What’s the weather like in Belfast?

Be prepared for four seasons in a day. Hardly a week goes by where it doesn’t rain, but don’t let it put a dampener on your day. The average temperature stays in the low teens most of the year, and it does get bitterly cold in winter. Make sure you have a jacket with you and layer up if you’re visiting the likes of the Christmas Market at City Hall.

Season

Min. temperature

Max. temperature

Winter

+2.2 °C

+7.9 °C

Spring

+4.7°C

+12.4°C

Summer

+11.7°C

+19.7°C

Autumn

+7°C

+13.6°C

How do I get around Belfast?

Most people get around town by bus. All services start in the city centre at stops around Belfast City Hall, and all lines only go outwards from town (with the exception of the Glider bus that goes east to west). If you’re using the bus, you can pay the driver on the bus (although tickets via the app advertised at bus stops will be cheaper).

If you’re heading to Belfast for a night out, your best options for getting a taxi are:

Value Cabs

FonaCab

Uber

All taxi firms also have their own apps you can book from directly, although you’ll be waiting a long time for one on a Saturday night.

There you have it, just some of the amazing things to see and do in Belfast with Groupon as your local guide. The only hard thing will be fitting it all in your diary.